St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Mousa Saleh reflects on the story of Zacchaeus from the Gospel of Luke, emphasizing Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost. He explores Zacchaeus’ efforts to see Jesus despite his short stature and social stigma as a chief tax collector, illustrating the importance of the desire to encounter Christ. Fr. Mousa explains how Jesus’ willingness to dwell with sinners demonstrates His power to transform lives, highlighting that change comes through Christ’s presence rather than human effort alone.Drawing parallels with other biblical stories, Fr. Mousa also shares the transformation of Honorable Bishop Gabriela, a former sorcerer who turned to Christ. The sermon reinforces that Jesus seeks to heal even those considered hopeless and invites all to open their hearts to Him, underscoring that salvation is available to every lost soul.#ToSaveThatWhichWasLost #ZacchaeusStory #JesusSaves #ChristianTransformation #FaithInChrist #SalvationThroughJesus #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning behind Christ’s words, "Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see," emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Jesus’ coming. He discusses how the people of Christ’s time failed to value this moment, drawing parallels to how we often undervalue God's gifts today.Fr. Matthias highlights biblical examples such as Abraham’s choice for peace over land, Esau selling his birthright, and the poor widow’s sacrificial offering to illustrate how true value is measured by intention and sacrifice. He also addresses how hate, lust, and familiarity can distort our values, leading us to prioritize fleeting pleasures over eternal rewards.By examining scripture, including teachings from St. Paul and King David, Fr. Matthias challenges viewers to reflect on their personal values, the importance of peace, and the wise use of time in the journey of faith. This message offers guidance for living a life that aligns with God’s perspective and promises.#BlessedAreTheEyes #ChristSermon #FaithJourney #BiblicalWisdom #ChristianReflection #GodsPromises #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of living a renewed Christian life, emphasizing that spiritual renewal is an ongoing process empowered by the Holy Spirit, not a one-time event. He reflects on the responses to Christ and John the Baptist, highlighting the importance of embracing both joy and asceticism in the Christian journey.Fr. Matthias identifies six reasons why believers might experience spiritual stagnation: expecting different outcomes from the same practices, incomplete or inconsistent effort, low expectations of spiritual growth, obeying the letter but not the spirit of God’s commands, acquiring knowledge without practical application, and holding onto beloved sins. He stresses the need to draw close to God, employ all spiritual tools such as prayer, fasting, and confession, and live consistently in faith.This message challenges Christians to examine their spiritual lives, overcome obstacles to renewal, and cultivate a vision of heaven that fuels continual growth and joy in Christ.#SpiritualRenewal #ChristianLife #HolySpirit #FaithJourney #LivingInChrist #SpiritualGrowth #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad examines the warnings about false prophets and teachings described in Matthew 24, emphasizing the end times' challenges for believers. He explains how false prophets use signs and wonders to deceive many, including the elect, and highlights the importance of discernment grounded in Scripture.Fr. Matthias outlines key characteristics of a true prophet: their words come to pass, their teachings promote righteousness, their lives reflect godliness, and they uphold the divinity of Jesus Christ. He discusses various motivations behind false prophecy, such as personal gain, popular appeal, deception, and even influence by evil spirits.Rooted in biblical passages and church tradition, this talk calls believers to be vigilant in understanding true doctrine and guarding against deception, especially as false teachings increase in the modern world.#FalseProphets #EndTimes #ChristianDiscernment #Matthew24 #BiblicalTeaching #Faithfulness #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses the theme of finding good in the midst of disasters, emphasizing reflections on the end of the world and the shortness of life. He explains that such trials serve as reminders to be thankful for God's mercy and to recognize human fragility despite modern advances. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of focusing on what truly matters—fearing God and keeping His commandments.The talk explores how disasters break down social barriers, encouraging unity and compassion as everyone shares similar struggles. Fr. Matthias reminds listeners that God is in control, urging continuous prayer and faith in God's goodness even when circumstances are difficult. Drawing from Scripture, he underscores the need to trust God’s plan and find benefit in life's challenges, reinforcing that God is a redeemer who sustains and protects His people throughout all trials.#FaithInTrials #GodsMercy #ChristianSermon #TrustGod #SpiritualReflection #FindingGoodInHardship #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the parable of the evil vine dressers, emphasizing that we are stewards of God’s gifts rather than owners of our lives. He discusses the biblical call to self-denial as essential for following Christ, highlighting how denying ungodly relationships, personal comfort, sinful pleasures, and selfish rights aligns us more closely with God’s will. Fr. Matthias explains that self-denial is not about loss, but about gaining a greater treasure—eternal life and spiritual fulfillment.He addresses the dangers of pursuing wealth and our own will instead of God’s, urging believers to seek humility and discipline in their spiritual journey. Drawing from scripture, Fr. Matthias stresses that spirituality is a conscious choice to follow God’s guidance through prayer, fasting, and self-control. This message offers practical ways to carry one’s cross and grow in faith by prioritizing God above all else.#SelfDenial #ChristianFaith #SpiritualGrowth #FollowingChrist #BiblicalTeaching #ChristianDiscipleship #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of Christ raising Lazarus, focusing on the phrase "He whom you love is sick" to reveal how Christ’s love is manifested in our lives. He explains the true meaning of love through four key aspects: sacrifice, unworthiness, magnitude, and freedom. Fr. Matthias discusses how Christ’s love is shown in His willing sacrifice despite our unworthiness, the great gift of salvation, and His choice to love us freely, not by compulsion.He emphasizes the need to imitate this divine love in our relationships, explaining that real love involves sacrifice, loving the unworthy, giving beyond convenience, and choosing freely to love. Fr. Matthias also contrasts genuine love with mere liking and highlights love's role in sustaining marriages and friendships.This sermon offers a biblical foundation for understanding and practicing sacrificial love as Christ demonstrated.#ChristLove #SacrificialLove #LazarusSermon #ChristianFaith #DivineLove #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept of superficial faith, contrasting it with genuine faith as revealed in the scriptures. He discusses how the apostles’ initial belief in Christ’s words was seen by Jesus as shallow, lacking true commitment. Fr. Matthias addresses various forms of superficial faith, including faith untested by trials, faith based only on miracles or personal experiences, and faith reliant on logical understanding rather than trust in God.He emphasizes the importance of self-examination, urging believers to assess whether their faith is rooted in sacrifice, sanctification, and works, rather than mere outward appearances or ulterior motives. Drawing from biblical examples, Fr. Matthias highlights that genuine faith involves an ongoing transformation, perseverance through difficulties, and a relationship with God that transcends external actions or benefits.The message concludes with a call to seek authentic faith that enables believers to overcome worldly challenges by living in accordance with God’s will.#SuperficialFaith #GenuineFaith #FaithInChrist #ChristianFaith #FaithAndWorks #SpiritualGrowth #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Christ’s prayer to the Father, emphasizing the Christian calling to live in the world without conforming to its ways. He explains the balance between being in the world and not of the world, highlighting the importance of living according to God’s word and resisting sinful influences. Drawing from scripture and the teachings of St. Cyril of Alexandria, Fr. Matthias discusses how Christians are called to be moral examples, teachers of truth, servants to their communities, and intercessors through prayer.He illustrates that Christians should engage with others through love and service while maintaining spiritual purity, offering guidance on avoiding conformity to worldly patterns. Fr. Matthias also underscores the role of persecution as a consequence of living faithfully in a secular world. The talk encourages believers to embody the salt and light of the earth, influencing the world positively while maintaining their distinct identity in Christ.#ChristianLiving #InTheWorldNotOfTheWorld #FaithAndPrayer #LivingForChrist #SpiritualPurity #SaltAndLight #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on Christ’s teachings about sorrow and joy before His crucifixion, emphasizing the Christian call to carry the cross. Fr. Matthias explains that worldly joys are temporary and can be taken away, while the joy Christ promises after sorrow is lasting and cannot be taken away.He addresses common attitudes toward suffering and the cross, including ignorance, carelessness, offense, fear, and contrasts these with the correct attitude of obedience as exemplified by St. Peter. The talk challenges believers to embrace the crosses God permits in their lives, understanding them as part of spiritual growth and salvation. Fr. Matthias invites listeners to personally ask God what cross they are called to carry for their journey with Christ, emphasizing the importance of following Him through both sorrow and joy.#AttitudesTowardsTheCross #ChristianSermon #CarryYourCross #FaithAndSuffering #JoyInChrist #SpiritualGrowth #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org